Governor Godswill Akpabio has pledged to release of a balance of N500 million to Akwa Ibom State University next week for the completion of development projects at Ikot Akpaden and Obio Akpa campuses of the university.

Akpabio who stated this Thursday when he inaugurated 26 projects at Akwa Ibom State University, Obio Akpa campus in Oruk Anam Local Government Area, hinted that his administration had already released N1.5 billion of the N2 billion for the execution of projects in the two campuses, hoping that his successor would complete the hostels and internal roads in Obio Akpa campus before December this year.

The governor further announced that the Federal Executive Council has upgraded the Maritime Academy Nigeria in Oron to a degree-awarding institution and has also approved the commencement of the Ibaka Deep Seaport in the state all aimed at creating more jobs for the people.

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the university, Obong (Engr.) Asuquo Udofia commended the governor for his commitment and passion to the development of the institution.

The Vice chancellor of the institution, Prof. Eno Ibanga, thanked the state governor for transforming the school with sophisticated facilities and disclosed that the institution has now been fully accredited during his administration.

Among the projects inaugurated in the institution were Social and Management Sciences block, Poultry Goatry, Piggery projects, Medical Centre, Library Department, Students canteen, Administrative block, Bursary block and hostel.

Governor Akpabio who also inaugurated the suspended bridge in Abak, commended Julius Berger Construction Company for the speedy delivery of a well-constructed bridge, pointing out that the project was one of the most challenging jobs in the state aside the Underground Pipe-Jacking system.

The governor, who lamented that the snaky bridge along the old road had wasted many lives hence the need for a better one said the new bridge has opened up the area to commercial activities and would ensure safety of life and property.

Speaking, the state Commissioner for Works, Mr. Don Etim, who explained that the suspended bridge located at Ediene Abak has a width of 20 meters, a distance of 340 meters and a height of 34 meters, noted that the bridge is adorned with street lights and was open to traffic especially those coming to and from the state.

Governor Akpabio equally inaugurated Abak Independence Hall at the site of Abak Prisons that was demolished last year and the project delivered in three months consists of 700 seats, 13 toilets, a borehole, overhead tank, offices and stores, among others.

The governor later inaugurated Ekom Iman-Abak Road Dualisation, six urban roads at Winners Chapel axis, Ikot Ebido Oku in Uyo urban and Sen. John Akpan Udoedeghe Crescent.

•Photo shows Governor Akpabio cutting the tape to Akpabio commissions Abak Bridge as his wife Unoma and others look on.

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